The Italian-born beauty graduated from SC State with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and with a specialization in radiochemistry. She’s a scientist at the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission and even has her own community outreach program called Science Exploration For Kids.

It was an indescribably beautiful moment as Barber jumped with glee as the announcement was made, embraced her successor and then crowned her with a radiant smile as McCullough tried to take it all in.